Former St. Landry Parish Sheriff Laura Balthazar died Friday. She was 69.
Balthazar served as interim sheriff after the death of sheriff Howard Zerangue in 2006, but lost two subsequent elections that year to current Sheriff Bobby Guidroz.
Guidroz released a statement on social media following Balthazar’s death.
“‘Ms. Laura’ as many knew her by worked her way up the ranks working as the secretary of the chief deputy, head of communications, assistant warden, chief civil and criminal deputy, and after the retirement of long time Sheriff Howard Zerangue, was the interim sheriff. She was the first African American women to hold the assistant warden, chief criminal deputy, and the position of sheriff.
“Ms. Laura was hired on Jan. 23, 1980, and retired on Nov. 19, 2006. One of her most valued programs close to her heart was the senior citizens program called TRIAD which is still being held today. In fact the TRIAD program won a national award last year for the community service it provides to our senior citizens. Covid has stopped the service but it will continue after it is safe to meet again.
“Her belief in God and her strength of character helped so many employees in their career in law enforcement and considered her their ‘at work mother.’ Our hearts and prayers are with her family in this time of sorrow.”
Also releasing a statement was Jessie Bellard, interim parish president. He stated, “Sheriff Laura Balthazar was a respected community leader, advocate, and veteran of the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office. She was truly a role model to all in the parish. For her service to her parish and her community, we owe her a debt of gratitude. As a sign of that gratitude, I’ve ordered all St. Landry Parish Government buildings to fly the American flag at half-mast to honor her memory. We must remember Sheriff Balthazar in our hearts as she embodied what it means to be a public servant.”
Balthazar later served as chief administrative officer for Opelousas Mayor Don Cravins and most recently was executive director of the St. Landry-Evangeline Sexual Assault Center.
Eunice Police Chief Randy Fontenot said, “I had occasion meet her quite often. I liked working with her. I think she was an asset to the sheriff’s office. She was great. she got things done. She knew what was going on there. Even when she moved up to chief deputy with Howard Zerangue she was the go to person over there. Nothing happened in that department without her knowledge. She knew what was going on. She got things done and think she did a great job.”
Fontenot added, “She was always wanting to help and did a lot for the community.”
The Daily World reported Balthazar died from COVID-19 complications.
